Device for the simultaneous dispensing and severing of webs of wound material

ABSTRACT

A device for the simultaneous dispensing and cutting of wound materials comprising a rotatable drum mounted beneath mounted an articulated rolled carrier adapted for carrying a roll of material whose free end extends between the drum and roll carrier and projects from the device. By pulling the material from the device, the drum is caused to rotate and the material is unwound from the roll. A cutting device serves for severing the material at the end of a pulling action and this comprises a fixed blade member adjustable in position and a movable blade member which is driven with the drum and progressively severs the material over its entire width. A stop is positioned to engage the movable blade and hold the same in an inoperative position. An energy storage arrangement is coupled to the drum to resist its rotation in the direction of unwinding when the free end of the material is being pulled and withdrawn from the device until the blades cut the material, whereafter the drum is continued to be rotated by the energy storage arrangement in the direction of unwinding, until the movable blade again contacts the stop and a fresh length of material is fed from the device.

United States Patent [1 1 Granger et al.

[ July 29, 1975 1 DEVICE FOR THE SIMULTANEOUS DISPENSING AND SEVERING 0F WEBS OF WOUND MATERIAL [76] Inventors: Maurice Granger, 28 Rue Charles de Gaulle, 42000 Saint Etienne, Loire; Andre Lerond, 174 Rue Leon Blum, 69100 Villeurbanne, Rhone, both of France [22] Filed: Apr. 9, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 349,673

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Apr. 27, 1972 France 72.15588 Aug. 16, 1972 France.... 72.29761 Dec. 26, 1972 France 72.47127 [52] US. Cl. 83/335; 83/649; 225/17;

[51] Int. Cl B65h 35/00 [58] Field of Search 83/334, 335, 349, 649,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 575,568 l/l897 l-laviland 225/47 X 943,279 12/1909 Smith 225/47 X 1,553,331 9/1925 Shelly 83/334 1,723,325 8/1929 Boomershine 83/349 X 2,051,242 8/1936 Birr et a1 83/334 X 2,139,339 12/1938 Vaughn et al. 225/17 X 3,401,585 9/1968 Schmermund ..83/349 3,575,328 4/1971 .lespersen ..83/334 Primary Examiner-J. M. Meister Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Waters, Schwartz & Nissen [57] ABSTRACT A device for the simultaneous dispensing and cutting of wound materials comprising a rotatable drum mounted beneath mounted an articulated rolled carrier adapted for carrying a roll of material whose free end extends between the drum and roll carrier and projects from the device. By pulling the material from the device, the drum is caused to rotate and the material is unwound from the roll. A cutting device serves for severing the material at the end of a pulling action and this comprises a fixed blade member adjustable in position and a movable blade member which is driven with the drum and progressively severs the material over its entire width. A stop is positioned to engage the movable blade and hold the same in an inoperative position. An energy storage arrangement is coupled to the drum to resist its rotation in the direction of unwinding when the free end of the material is being pulled and withdrawn from the device until the blades cut the material, whereafter the drum is continued to be rotated by the energy storage arrangement in the direction of unwinding, until the movable blade again contacts the stop and a fresh length of material is fed from the device.

22 Claims, 38 Drawing Figures PATENTEB JUL 2 9 I975 SHEET PATENTED JUL 2 9 I975 SHEET PATENTED JUL 2 9 I975 SHEET PATENTEDJULZQIHYS SLR CT llLLl DEVICE FOR THE SIMULTANEOUS DISPENSING AND SEVERING OF WEBS OF WOUND MATERIAL The invention relates to a device for the simultaneous dispensing and severing of webs of wound material.

The invention relates to the technical sectors concerned with the manipulation of materials of flat shape and in web form, such as toilet or packaging accessories.

Various means, devices or apparatus have been proposed for dispensing materials in the form of uniformly fractionated webs or bands, notably means for dispensing toilet paper, bags, handkerchieves and expendable serviettes, aluminum sheeting or sheets of other materials whether of a textile nature or not.

Generally speaking, such dispensing means are fed either with rolls of single materials or pre-cut materials which are unwound and severed to the desired length merely in the conventional manner or with the aid of a primitive arrangement (a toothed edge for example), or with stacks of lengths of materials which are separate from each other and which are more or less uniformly extracted from the dispensing means.

For the dispensing of bags, envelopes or folded sheets, detachment of the length of material is effected by tearing off (notched edge), or with the aid of a cutting instrument or tool independent of the dispensing means (knife, scissors, pointed blade, etc.).

It will be appreciated that these various means have considerable disadvantages in particular, correct separation is difficult or irregular and may require a certain degree of tedious handling. Furthermore, the rolls, webs or stacks of material must be pre-cut, cut or suitably stacked, and this increases their cost price.

According to the invention, it has been desired to provide a device for the dispensing of fractions of wound material, in uniform, rapid and effective manner, not by tearing on the apparatus or by independent manual or mechanical cutting, but by effecting a clear cut simultaneously with dispensing.

The device according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises articulated roll-carrying means cooperating by friction with a drum driven in rotation by simple manual traction exerted on the free end of the material projecting out of the apparatus; at the end of the traction movement, a cutting or severing device comprising a portion adapted to be adjustably fixed in position and a mobile portion, serve for severing the material progressively over its entire width in the manner of a pair of scissors; after cutting, a fresh web extends out of the apparatus due to positioning of the drum.

According to a first variant, provision is made for programmed regulation of the length of material distributed and cut by temporary withdrawal of the cutting blade or counter-blade when exerting a pull on the web of material extending out of the apparatus. In this embodiment. the cutting blade is independent of the friction drum and is driven, for passage thereof over the counter-blade during traction on the material, by a thrust finger fast with transmission means co-operating with the drum. A further feature resides in the fact that variation is effected, within a range which is of interest, of the length of material to be severed by a device for varying the drive ratios of the drum, the said device taking the form of conical pulleys or expansible pulleys for example, one of which is keyed on the rotation pivot of the drum.

According to a second variant, mobile means mounted on the one hand on the drive drum for the material and on the other hand on a fixed support are so positioned as to permit severing of the material subjected to tractive force and then the putting into abutment of the drive drum, so as to entirely prevent the severing of a second web of material on the basis of the same pull. The assembly of the severing mechanism enclosed in a support is secured on the end face of the housing in such manner that it can rapidly and readily be dismounted from the housing as a whole. A further feature resides in the mounting of the material roll carrier, which comprises a device for centering the roll having an articulated arm for facilitating replacement of the roll and adapted to be retained in the retracted position relative to the housing.

According to a further feature, the roll of material is manually removed from the drive drum, so as to permit the free dispensing of any optional length of material, by a rocking system adapted to be manoeuvred from the exterior of the housing and acting directly on the roll of material.

These features and still further features will be ascertained from the description given hereinbelow.

In order to make the subject of the invention entirely specific without limiting it, in the accompanying drawings:

FIG. I is a perspective view of the device according to the invention, shown with the lid open.

FIG. 2 is a similar view with the lid closed (utilisation position);

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the device according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the positioning of the cutting blade;

FIG. Sis a sectional view of the material-carrying reel and of its support;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the device according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a view in partial section as seen along the line 77 of FIG. 3, showing the drum stop.

FIG. 8 is a view in partial section as seen along the line 88 of FIG. 6, showing the positioning of the cutting blade;

FIGS. 9 and 10 show engagement of the mobile cutting blade;

FIG. I1 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the device;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to a first embodiment;

FIG. I3 and FIG. 14 are end views, i.e., front and rear views respectively, of the embodiment according to FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a front view of the apparatus according to FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a detail drawn to a larger scale of the mechanism for regulating the length of cut paper;

FIG. 17 is a front view showing a further embodiment according to a first variant;

FIG. 18 is a view in section as seen along the line l818 of FIG. 17, showing the control of the blade;

FIG. 19 is a view drawn to a larger scale illustrating a further system for regulating the length of cut material;

FIG. is a sectional view as seen along the line 20--20 of FIG. 19, showing the means for controlling length variation;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a further embodiment for regulating the length of the material cut,

FIG. 22 is a sectional view as seen along the line 22-22 of FIG. 21',

FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the adaptation of the device to the supplying of material stacked concertina-wise;

FIG. 24 is a view in partial section showing a device for inking or printing the material supplied;

FIG. 25 illustrates a device for temporarily locking the drive drum (shown here in the locked position);

FIG. 26 is a view in section along the line 2626 of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a view in plan and in partial section corresponding to FIG. 25 (shown here in the unlocked position);

FIG. 28 is a view in section as seen along the line 28-28 of FIG. 29, showing the apparatus in the inoperative position, i.e., ready to dispense, in accordance with a second variant;

FIG. 29 is a front view in partial section showing the tractive travel on the projecting web of material;

FIGS. 30, 31 and 32 are diagrammatic views illustrating the action of the mobile means, depending on their position;

FIG. 33 is a view in partial section showing the mounting of one of the centring arms for the roll of material;

FIGS. 34 and 35 are diagrammatic views showing the locking of the centring arm relative to the housing;

FIGS. 36, 37 and 38 illustrate, in front and lateral views partly in section, the mechanism for manual spacing of the roll of material relative to the drive drum;

FIG. 39 is a diagrammatic view, in section, of a further embodiment of the second variant in respect of the means for controlling the drive drum;

In order to make the subject of the invention more specific, it will now be described with reference to a nonlimitative embodiment illustrated in the figures of the drawings.

While it is to be understood that the device for dispensing and cutting according to the invention may be applied to all wound materials, the description given hereinbelow will refer to an apparatus which is intended for dispensing and cutting towel webs made from single or double paper in private or public toilets.

The apparatus may take various forms, i.e., apparatus mounted on a stand, a cabinet, a wall unit or a unit fast with a reception table or other device.

A discussion given here relates to an embodiment in the form of a wall unit constituted by a support plate 1 secured to walls or partitions in any known manner, for example by means of eye-bolts, rods, or screws cooperating with apertures 1a formed in the plate.

The plate 1 has, on one of its sides, articulation means such as hinges 2 for a lid or cover 3 appropriately curved to amply enciose the internal mechanisms.

The said cover or lid may be articulated in various manners, either downwardly (hinged at the lower portion of the plate), or upwardly, or, in preferred manner laterally (FiG. 1), thereby preventing catching at the aperture and risk of injury due to release during manipulation.

As will become clearer later, sincethe roll of paper is engaged only at one side, the hinge must therefore be arranged opposite the said location of engagement, since the curvature of the lid prevents opening through l80 thereof (abutment against the wall). Closure means is provided between the lid and the support plate. It will, for example, be possible to provide snapin closure means 4 operated by a key 5 and cooperating with a finger 6 on the plate. Secured in any known manner on the support plate I is a U-shaped support '7 the limbs of which receive a drum 8 for free rotation. The said drum is not circular over its entire periphery and has along an aperture 8a formed over its entire length or generatrix a blade or small bar 9 the outer edge of which is located at a distance which is greater than the radius of the drum.

The said blade is secured to the drum by screws 10 in its central portion, whereas its ends remain free (FIG. 4), so that it is able to flex, for reasons to be described later. Furthermore, rings 11 made from elastomeric material or nylon are interposed between the blade and the drum in order to damp the noise (FIG. 8).

The blade 9 co-operates, at a point of the rotation of the drum, with a counter-blade 12 fixed at its two ends on bracing struts 13 secured on squared end members of the support 7.

The counter-blade 12, which is of rectangular section, is positioned in particular manner; first of all, it bears obliquely on the bracing struts 13 (FIG. 8) in order that the edge of the blade 9 may pass into contact along a line and not along its entire cutting face; on the other hand, the counter-blade is obliquely positioned lengthwise along horizontal and vertical planes (FIGS. 4 and 6) in order that cutting of the paper may be effected starting from one edge of the blade 9 and progressively as far as the other edge on the drum advancing in rotation, i.e., in the manner of a pair of scissors.

Various arrangements are provided for facilitating engagement of the blade 9 in precise manner against and then under the counter-blade 12, so as to achieve correct and effortless cutting of the paper. FIG. 8 shows first of all that the counter-blade 12 is mounted to be regulatable on the end member 7a via oblong apertures 7b co-operating with the locking screws 14. A further mode of regulation relates to the level of the blade.9 relative to the counter-blade, due to variation of the thickness of the anti-noise rings 11. Finally, the attacking end of the blade 9 has a rounded portion 9a facilitating engagement (FIGS. 9 and i0) and the mounting for lateral flexing of the blade 9 and for central flexing of the counter-blade completes these arrangements.

A deflector i5 is secured on the counter-blade 12 for preventing the unwound paper from travelling above the counter-blade.

The paper roll R ismounted on a transverse support comprising for example a pivot 16 carried by an arm 17 articulated at 18 to the support plate 1. In the vicinity of the said arm, there is mounted a ring or reel-carrier 119, made from nylon, for example. which is adapted to rotate freely on the pivot but cannot be displaced in translation. The said ring'has'at least two resilient grippers l9a permitting engagment and retaining of the reel B for the roll of paper, abutting against the shoulder.

Nb of the ring (HG-5) I In preferred but non-limitative manner, in order that there may be no error as to the direction of engagement of the roll, reels B are provided which are blocked at their end I? and formed solely with a small orifice B having a large inner inlet which is required to engage on a conical, cylindrical or like portion 16:: formed in the end of the pivot 16, when the reel abuts against the shoulder 1912.

On the other side of the arm 17, the pivot 16 projects to form a groove 16!) receiving resilient means such as an elastomeric belt 20 which is wound on an identical groove 21a formed in a finger 21 carried at the end of a link rod 22 or eccentric which is angularly keyed on the rotation pivot of the drum 8 (FIG. 6). The angular position of the eccentric is appropriately selected to provide energy storage and produce the result that the rotation of the drum is controlled, i.e., is braked on traction and accelerated after cutting due to the action of the belt.

The connection between the paper roll and the drum by the said resilient means comprising link rod 22 makes possible the recall into the inoperative position (i.e. after dispensing a web) of the drum. However, this does not exclude another type of energy storage arrangement whereby the resilient recall is dispensed with if correct balancing by counterweight or other means fulfills the same functions, i.e., permitting easy but braked rotation of the drum when traction is exerted on the paper, and rapid accelerated return into the inoperative position after severing the paper.

A description will now be given of the mode of carrying the severing and dispensing device according to the invention into effect.

After a roll of paper has been suitably placed in position on a reel carrier, a portion thereof is unwound in such manner that it travels through the slot 3a formed in the cover or lid by a length sufficient to be readily grasped manually. At this instant, the blade 9 carried by the drum 8 bears on a stop 23 (FIGS. 3 and 7) secured to the support plate 1'. The said stop is required to retain the drum only after passage over the latter. For this purpose various forms of stop may be provided, for example a retractable bracket; in this embodiment, there has been provided a ring of plastic material 23a secured on a support 2312 the front end 23(- of which is bent upwardly in order to limit flexing of the ring.

By exerting a simple tractive force on the projecting end of the paper, the latter, which bears on a wide sector of the drum, is rotated without sliding due to engagement of the paper on the surface of the drum carrying an anti-slip material 24 (rubber, energy paper, granular material, etc.)

At the end of traction, the blade 9 passes into contact with the counter-blade i2, raising the paper and wedging it. Progressive cutting is effected and the user has the web, correctly cut, in his hands, whereas the drum, the movement of which has been initiated under traction effect and under the effect of tension of the belt 20, continues to rotate, whereupon the blade 9 passes over the stop 23 and then bears thereon, since the drum is decelerated due to the action of the belt and of the stop which also prevents rocking in the inoperative position.

At this instant, the web of paper is once again projecting, ready to be pulied out for simuitaneous dispensing and cutting ofa fresh fraction equal to the first.

It will be appreciated that the length of the cut web is a function of the drum perimeter and the number of webs is a function of the diameter of the paper roll.

Also provided is a device for counting the webs with a view to permitting ready replenishment by simple visual control without requiring the opening of the apparatus. The following description of the device is not limitative: a small plate 25 secured at the end of the arm 17 is suitably positioned in order that inscriptions engraved, adhesively secured or otherwise effected on the said plate may be readily legible from the exterior through an aperture 3b formed in the lid or cover which, for this purpose, may be provided with a magnifying glass 26. The inscriptions may be of any nature, for example it will be possible to inscribe successively from above downwardly, the numerals 5-10-0 corresponding to the number of cut webs which remain to be distributed. It is also possible to show reference marks 1/1, 1/2, 0.

It will be understood that, since the small plate 25 follows the diminishing roll, the appropriate reference numeral will be visible only through the aperture formed in the lid.

As stated hereinabove, the device according to the invention may take forms other than that ofa wall unit.

FIG. 11 illustrates, by way of examle, a cabinet 27 which opens laterally, having at its upper portion the cover or lid formed with a slot 27a, whereas its median portion 27b, which is narrower, is provided internally with supports for receiving a plurality of rolls R of stocked paper. At the lower portion, there may be provided a pivoting bin for receiving the used towels.

Finally, provision may be made for rolls of material (paper, plastics, tissues, etc.) provided directly and uniformly with means for adhesive securing, welding or seaming, so that bags may be directly cut. For this pur pose, care will be taken to appropriately position or index the roll on its reel carrier in order that cutting may be effected precisely rearwardly of the bottom of the bag.

In a first variant illustrated in FIGS. E2 to 16 of the drawings, the apparatus comprises essentially a sheet metal frame 28 folded to Ushape for example, surmounted by a section 280 constituting a handle for transport purposes or for wall suspension from hooks.

Secured under the frame in dismountable manner are legs 29 for bearing on the ground, taking for example the form of tubes 29a, curved at their elbow, lugs 29b being provided for securing to the frame.

For suspending the arrangement from a wall, it is necessary to space the apparatus away from the wall, in order that the roll of material to be dispensed and cut will not touch the wall when placed in position.

For this purpose, there are provided for example securing lugs having two planes and which are formed with an aperture for securing by means of a screw; the plane perpendicular to the securing plane serves also as a positioning stop (FIGS. 12 and M).

It should be noted that the removable support framework may be utilised in other variants, as described later.

The limbs of the framework receive freely, by means of slideways 28b, the projecting pivots of the roll of material to be dispensed, which descends vertically and is thus always in contact with the drive drum as having a rough covering which encloses, for radial projection along a generatrix, the cutting blade 31, as stated with reference to the preceding embodiment.

The cutting blade 32 is always mounted obliquely on its support 33, relative to the blade, in such manner as to cut the material progressively over its entire length, in proportion as the drum rotates, but its lugs for securing to the support 33 compel it to twist in its plane in order to more precisely follow the counter-blade at the instant of cutting (FIG.

The support 33 is articulated to the limbs of the frame and maintained in position against a stop 280 on the frame (FIG. 13) due to a strong recall spring 34 or other similar means, so as to prevent recoil thereof on cutting being effected.

In the case of this embodiment, provision is made for a possibility for varying the length of the material to be dispensed, due to the cutting. For this purpose, there is keyed at the end of the drum transmission means of the toothed wheel 35 type for example, co-operating directly or through the agency of a chain with a further toothed wheel 36 pivoted on the stop 280 of the frame for example. The said second wheel carries at its periphery a roller 37 which, on rotation of the wheel 36, caused by traction on the material (entrainment of the drum and therewith of the wheel 35) urges a retractable bracket or block 38 mounted on the support 39 fast with the counter-blade support, thereby removing the counter-blade at the instant of passage of the blade (FIG. 13).

In general, a single or double length variation is afforded due to the mounting of a wheel 35 possessing two times less teeth than the wheel 36, whereby the roller 37 contacts the block once during the time that the drum effects two revolutions. However, it is quite clear that it will be possible to mount wheels in the ratio 1:3, 1:4, thereby permitting the dispensing of material of single, double, triple, quadruple, etc. length.

The mounting of the retractable block may be effected in various manner, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, with the aid of a knob 40 connected to the block and extending through a support port which is unscrewed in order to cause the block to slide, or by resilient positioning in the port having two recesses 39b receiving cylindrical bearing races 38a of the block (FIG. 16). The block is guided for sliding relative to a pivot 41 carried by the extension 33a of the support for the counter-blade (FIG. 16).

The stop for arresting the drum after cutting is retained in this embodiment, but is mounted laterally, as shown in FIGS. 12, 14 and 15 which show a projection 30a of the drum so designed as to pass freely against a small bar 42 articulated to the frame, meanwhile urging it, and then to bear thereon when the tension exerted by the eccentric 44 and its belt 44 is eliminated. The small bar is then received in abutment by optional resilient means 45 secured on the support 33 of the counter-blade.

In order to conveniently engage the web of material ofa fresh roll between the drum and the counter-blade, provision is also made for manually bringing about the spacing-away of the counter-blade, independent of the roller-block assembly. FIGS. 12, 13 and 15 show for example a lever 46 articulated to the frame and having a slope 46a for co-operating with a further complementary slope 33b formed on the counter-blade support. It will be appreciated that, on bearing on the lever 46, the support 33 is spacedaway due to the action of the slopes. Means for locking in the spaced-away position may be provided.

It will also be noted that this arrangement may permit the dispensing of material in a length selected independently of regulation by the block.

According to a further embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, the severing and dispensing device has a material roll carrier 47 articulated to a base plate 48; the drive drum 49 is pivoted on a channel section 50 fast with the plate.

The cutting blade 51 is, in this case, independent of the drum, i.e., it is secured on a sector 52 which is coaxial to the drum but free in rotation relative thereto. The sector is covered with a rough surface, as is the drum, to permit entrainment thereof due to traction on the web of material extending out of the apparatus.

The driving in rotation of the sector, and thus of the blade, is effected when traction is effected through intermediary of toothed wheels or similar means, one (53) of which is keyed on the drum pivot, whereas the other (54) is pivoted on the section 50 where an appropriately dimensioned finger 55 is angularly keyed thereto for co-operation with a roller 56 mounted on the sector 52.

It will be appreciated that, with this arrangement, when a pull is exerted on the web of material, the drum is driven, the toothed wheel 53 drives the wheel 54 and thus the finger 55 thereof which then exerts a thrust on the roller 56, thereby rotating the sector 52 which travels under the roll of material and is driven due to the traction force, until the blade 51 passes a counter-blade 57, meanwhile cutting the material. The sector connected at one side to the drive eccentric 58 is then rapidly returned and the blade bears, after passage thereof, on the positioning stop 59 already described.

The counter-blade 57 is mounted inclined on the limbs 50a of the section 50 and receives a deflector 61 for guiding the material as it unwinds.

Further means for regulating the length of material to be dispensed may be provided; two embodiments are shown in FIGS. 19 to 21.

It is possible, for example, in place of toothed wheels, to arrange on the one hand, on the drum pivot, a variable spacing pulley 62 and on the other hand, on a pivot 63 fast with the support 64 of the drum, a further variable spacing pulley 65, interconnected by a trapezoidal belt 66. Thus, with the aid of appropriate means, it is possible to vary, at will, the drive ratios and thereby the length of material severed.

Driving or control may be effected for example by means of a rod 67 pivoted in rotation relative to a fixed point on the apparatus (base plate, drum support, etc.), and articulated at both ends to sleeves 68 engaging over the pivots of the pulleys which are recalled into the spaced-apart position by springs. A manipulating lever 69 is fast with the rod and projects laterally from the apparatus at which location indicator means 70 of any optional kind may be provided so as to permit ascertainment, in any position, of the length of material severed (FIGS. 19 and 20).

FIGS. 21 and 22 show a regulating device operating by means of inverted conical pulleys 71-72 in place of the variable-spacing pulleys and connected by a belt 73 which may be displaced by a fork 74 having friction rollers 740, secured on the support 75 adapted to be displaced relative to a lug 76 fast with the drum support, for example via grooves 760-761; and a guide finger 77.

Through the grooves 760 extends a manipulating lever 74!) terminating the fork.

Graduations marked on the lug 76 above the groove 76a permit monitoring of the selected cutting length.

For some purposes of utilisation, it will be possible for manual traction to be replaced by any optional type of motor drive for the drum, so as to dispense a series of webs of cut material (in weaving for example).

Further possibilities for dispensing and cutting are available on the basis of the basic device; for example and as diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 23, it would be possible to dispense webs of material stored by zigzag folding, the latter being disposed in a magazine 78 having a partial end face 78a for retaining the stack; the cutting blade drum is located at the level of the aperture bottom. By exerting a tractive force on the material projecting, the folded lengths unwind and readily pass over the drum.

It would also be possible to juxtaposed two or more devices according to the first variant, functioning independently of each other, and to arrange them in alignment or superposed. This arrangement permits less frequent replenishment with material. If the precaution is taken of providing the casing with a tamper-proof closure system and one of the elements is provided with means for blocking the aperture through which the material extends, it will be possible to have continually available a fully supplied apparatus which is ready for use.

This arrangement is useful in particular when the apparatus is to be used as a dispensing means for toilet paper in public Iavatories.

It should be noted that, for this purpose, the paper generally employed is manufactured from a material which does not always afford satisfactory entrainment by the drum and it may happen that the web, after cutting, does not project sufficiently from the apparatus to enable it to be readily grasped. In order to obviate this disadvantage, in this case provision is made for partial cutting of the paper, i.e., after cutting there is left at the edge a small portion which is not cut and which is readily torn under traction but which permits also on the one hand the guiding of the paper and on the other hand the correct entrainment of the web after cutting.

For this purpose, the counter-blade or the blade is machined in such manner that it does not cut over the entire width of the paper and precise regulation is effected due to slight ovalisation of the means for securing the blade or the counter-blade.

In order to satisfy some users, provision is also made for a device for printing the material supplied, for example for butchers, etc. For this effect, the apparatus is provided with an inking block adapted to co-operate with a relief printing block at a predetermined location for marking the paper dispensed. FIG. 24 shows, by way of example, a conventional inking block 79 resiliently secured (by springs or resilient washers) by a screw or frame 28 of the embodiment according to FIG. 12 notably, so that it may constantly be in contact with a block 80 adhesively or otherwise secured on the drum 30.

On passage under the paper dispensed. the block, due to pressure, imprints the inscriptions which it carries, without impeding the development of the operation.

It is sometimes interesting to be able to limit to the maximum extent the dispensing rate of the paper, so as to prevent any kind of waste. This refers particularly to dispensing arrangements installed in public toilets.

In the case of the device according to the invention and in fact in all variants thereof, simultaneous and automatic dispensing and cutting of the paper does not provide entirely for this limitation, although the fact that it is necessary to pull out a piece of paper after each severing step constitutes in itselfa form of limitation.

The problem is to lock the mechanism after a first dispensing step and to free it due to a supplementary manipulation.

For this purpose, provision has on the one hand been made for manually driving the drum by means of a hand crank, a hand wheel or other similar means and on the other hand for automatically locking the said drum in position after dispensing and cutting of a piece of paper, and for freeing it by manual action independent of the drive of the drum.

FIGS. 25, 26 and 27 show a non-limitative example of the locking device which is constituted by a finger 81 mounted for sliding in a sheath 82 fast with a lateral portion 83 of the apparatus frame, in such manner that the finger passes between one end of the drum 84 (the end opposite the tooth wheels, preferably) and the frame.

The said finger is aligned with a pushbutton 85 guided in the sheath and appropriately arrested in translation by a shoulder 85a and the head 85b thereof against the walls of the cover, lid or casing.

A flexible blade 85 (FIG. 25) fast with the finger engages through the agency of an enlarged portion 86a, in an aperture 82a formed in the sheath, when the finger is in the rear position, i.e., in the drum-locking position. Such locking is effected by abutment of the finger against a projection 840 on the drum (as illustrated in FIG. 25).

If pressure is exerted on the pushbutton 85, the latter slides in the sheath and, due to resilience, frees the flexible blade 86 from its aperture; if the pressure is continued, the finger 81, which is cranked at its end (FIG. 27), is advanced, thereby liberating the projection 84a and therefore the drum, which may be driven by the hand crank or the hand wheel.

On unlocking, the finger has been engaged in a notch formed in a cam 87 keyed on the drum pivot and the specially designed profile of which provides, during rotation of the drum, for recall of the finger into the position of abutment against the projection 84a (even if pressure continues to be exerted on the pushbutton). At the end of the return travel of the finger, the flexible blade engages once again in the sheath aperture, thus preventing automatic unlocking of the drum (passage of the finger within the notch. It is then necessary to press more strongly on the pushbutton in order to advance the finger once again and thereby to free the drum.

It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the user has both hands occupied so that he is not able to retain the dispensed paper (i.e., the paper which has been unwound and severed). In order to prevent the dispensed piece from falling to the ground, provision is made for partial cutting of the paper, as in the case of the dispensing of fragile toilet paper.

It should also be noted that, in this case, the action of the eccentric for initiating movement of and braking the drum is dispensed with.

Only resilient recall means is retained for the lower portion of material carrying rolls articulated to a base plate (see the first embodiment and FIGS. 17 and 18).

An important problem arises in such apparatus for the dispensing of paper or cotton wool for example, i.e., the problem of how to restrict waste by compelling the user to pull a single piece with each pull on the projecting web, even if he exerts a very powerful pull on the paper, i.e., by imparting a vigorous movement to the drive drum.

In order to achieve this result in entirely complete form, according to the second variant, the apparatus is equipped with the following mechanisms illustrated in FIGS. 28 to 32: at one end of the drive drum 88, there is mounted a block 89 pivoted at 90 and adapted to be oriented in limited manner by bearing at one end against the projecting hub 91 of the drum and at the other end against a stop finger 92.

A stirrup or support 93 carries for free rotation, through the agency of ball races 88a, the pivot 38b of the drum 88, through the agency of its limbs 93a which are profiled to constitute on the one hand lugs 93b carrying the counter-blade 94 and on the other hand rear stops 93c and lateral stops 93:1 for an elastomeric block 95 pivoted at 96 to the support and the movement in rotation of which in the direction of the arrow F (FIG, 28) is possible in opposition to the action of the recall spring 97.

Arranged for free rotation on the ring 88a is a profiled disc 98 pressed against a limb 93a of the support and separated from the drum face by a space in which the block 89 moves. The disc 98 has the general shape of an eccentric whereof the larger portion (which is thus the heaviest) is located towards the lower part and has a folded portion 98a serving for the driving in rotation thereof in the direction of the arrow F (FIG. 28) by the block, against the action of a resilient recall spring 99 attached to the limb 93a of the support and to a projecting portion 98b of the disc designed to abut against the elastomeric block at the end of travel.

The support 93 is secured to the bottom M9011 of the casing 100, in such manner as to be readily dismounted, for example with the aid of assembly comprising knobs 103 disposed permanently or removably in the bottom of the housing and through which the support extends, whereas the cranked plates W2 are engaged at their open slot 1102a in a groove 101a formed in the knobs, for locking purposes.

Of course, the housing 100 is covered, in the utilisation position of the apparatus, by a cover 103 articulated for example at MM and adapted to be locked by a key.

The mode of functioning of the apparatus will be more readily understood on referring to F165. 28, 30, 31 and 32 of the drawings.

Referring to FIG. 28, the apparatus is in the inoperative position, i.e., the paper projects under the cover, ready to be pulled by the user. At this instant, the block 89 bears against the finger 92, simply due to the weight ratio of the block and the position of the finger The user pulls the paper in the direction of arrow F (FlG. 28), the result of this being to drive the drum in the direction of arrow F (FlG. 3b) and the biock 89. Severing of the paper is effected due to passage of the blade 105 over the counter-blade 94. The drum continues to rotate due to inertia and the block passes into contact with the elastorneric block 95, urging it into abutment against the lateral lug 93d of the support (arrow F, FIG. 30). This contact brings about the rocking of the block (arrow F P10. 30) which passes into abutment against the hub 91.

The roundedshape of the contacting end of the block and the positioning of the said block and of the elastomeric block permit passage of the block along the elastomeric block which then bears constantly on the concave profile of the block during rotation of the drum, retaining it constantly in abutment against the hub 91 (FIG. 31). During this time, the following web of paper projects under the cover.

The block 89 then contacts the folded portion 98a of the disc and entrains it in the direction of arrow F (FIG. 32) meanwhile braking the drum until (if the initial traction force exerted on the paper is extremely strong) the projecting shaped portion 98b of the disc bears against the block 95, causing it to rock (arrow F FIG. 32) against the lateral stop 93d. The sloping portion of the projection 98b prevents passage thereof beyond the block and, due to resilient recall of the spring 99, the disc, the bracket-block and therefore the drum return into the inoperative position (FlG. 28), the bracket-block then bearing against the elastomeric block and rocking in abutment against the finger 92, whereby it is freed from the folded portion 98a.

A further arrangement is provided within the framework of this embodiment, for facilitating the replacement of the rolls of material. This is illustrated in FIGS. 33, 34 and 35 where it is shown that the arm 106, equipped with a centring bearing face 107 in the web of the roll, is mounted to be articulated at 108 at the end of the securing bar MW, in such manner that it may be manually spaced-away from the roll; any optional recall means 110 recalls the arm into the vertical position. Also provided is means for locking in the spacedaway position, in order to make it unnecessary to hold the arm during changing of the roll. For this purpose, a lug or projection of any optional kind 106a on the arm passes, with a portion of the arm, through a slot 10017 formed in the housing (FIG. 34). The arm is also mounted for pivoting in the other direction (at 111) on the bar, so that it then suffices to rock it on the one side in order that the projection 1060 may bear against the housing (FIG. 35),

FlGS. 36, 37 and 38 illustrate a rocking device the purpose of which it is to space the paper roll away from the drum, so as to dispense any optional length of paper without effecting severing, i.e., by free entrainment The said device is constituted by a small bar 112 pivoted at M3 to the housing and one end of which carries a roller or other similar means 114 applied against the roll of paper H5 near one of the ends thereof.

At the other end, the small bar is connected to a pedal Ho arranged externally of the housing, by a pivot 117 adapted to slide in a curvilinear slot 1190c formed in the housing.

It will be appreciated that. by simple pivoting of the pedal, the roll will be raised by the roller and it will be possible to pull any desired length of paper before severing, to be effected after relesing the pedal.

Finally, FIG. 39 shows a practical arrangement for actuating the apparatus in the case of dispensing paper by control of the drum with the aid of an electric motor, as described and claimed in the first variant. For this purpose, there is provided a-squared plate E18 covering all or a portion of the cover and articulated at H9 to the housing. in such manner that it can be pivoted by simple manual pressure. Pivoting brings about the putting into rotation of the drum and thus dispensing of the paper, due to the action of electrical contacts 120. it is also possible to provide devices for restricting wastage and for compelling the user to interrupt his action on the plate before dispensing a fresh piece of paper.

What is claimed is:

1. Device for the simultaneous dispensing and cutting of wound materials. comprising a rotatable drum, an articulated roll-carrier adapted for carrying a roll of material and cooperating by friction with said drum to drive the drum in rotation by simple manual traction on the free end of material extending between the drum and roll carrier and projecting from the device; a severing means for severing the material at the end of traction comprising a fixed portion adjustable in position and a mobile portion driven with said drum and progressively severing the material over its entire width, in the manner of a pair of scissors; a stop positioned to engage said mobile portion and hold the same in an inoperative position and energy storage means coupled to said drum to resist rotation thereof in the direction of unwinding when the free end of the material is being pulled and withdrawn from the device until said severing means cuts the material whereafter the drum is continued to be rotated by said energy storage means in said direction of unwinding until said mobile portion of the severing means again contacts said stop and a fresh length of material is fed from said device.

2. Device according to 1, wherein the mobile portion of the severing means comprises a blade fast with the unwinding drum and the fixed portion comprises a counter-blade which is fixed but obliquely positioned in the vertical and horizontal directions, said mobile blade passing under the said counter-blade during a cutting operation and, thereby progressively severing the material from one edge to the other in proportion as the drum rotates.

3. Device according to 2, wherein the mobile blade is mounted to project in a peripheral aperture formed in the drum, the cutting edge of said blade being at a distance which is greater than that of the drum radius, and secured to the said drum only in its central portion, so as to impart a predetermined degree of resilience thereto at the ends thereof.

4. Device according to 3, wherein the drum is locked in the inoperative position after severing the material due to the action of said energy storage means and said stop, said stop being retractable for permitting passage of the mobile blade carried by the drum.

5. Device according to 4, wherein the stop is constituted by an elastomeric ring flexibly mounted on a support for permitting the passage of the blade due to flexi. Device according to 2, wherein the fixed counterblade is carried at its ends by bracing struts fast with squared ends formed at the end of the drum support; the counter-blade is inclined relative to the bracing struts to present only a line of its front surface to the cutting edge of the mobile blade, and carries a deflector compelling the material to pass under the counterblade.

7. Device according to 6, wherein the oblique counter-blade is adjustable in position relative to the mobile blade through the intermediary of elongated apertures formed in the squared ends of the drum support and through which extend locking screws co-operating with the bracing struts having an upper inclined face.

8. Device according to 2, wherein the mobile blade has, at its end for engagement with the counter-blade, a rounded inlet facilitating passage due to flexing of the blade.

9. Device according to 1, wherein the drum has a perimeter corresponding to the length of the material which it is desired to obtain after severing, and which is pivoted for free rotation on a U-shaped support secured to a support plate and carrying the counter-blade at its end.

10. Device according to 7, wherein the drum has, on its periphery, a surface for entrainment by adhesion or engagement, for affording the driving thereof due to the tractive force exerted on the material to be dispensed, which bears thereon over'a large sector.

11. Device according to 1, wherein the energy storage means comprises on the roll-carrier a lateral arm articulated to a support plate and bearing transversely in its median portion on a reel-carrying pivot.

12. Device according to 11, wherein the reel-carrying pivot has, at the side of the articulated arm, a roller bearing race carrying at least two grippers for engaging and retaining the material winding reel which is locked at its other end with only a small engagement orifice on the end of the pivot shaped for this purpose; this device permits engagement of the roll only at one side.

13. Device according to 11, wherein the reel-carrying pivot projects from the other side of the articulated arm and is formed with a groove for the winding-on of an elastomeric belt which is wound on a further groove formed in a finger fast with a rod angularly keyed to the drum.

14. Device according to 13, wherein the finger is secured at the end of the rod with angular keying to afford an eccentric providing for tensioning of the belt in order to brake the drum when traction is exerted on the material and, on the contrary, to accelerate it after dispensing for putting it into the inoperative position.

15. Device according to 1, wherein said energy storage means for control of the drum rotation comprises balancing and counter-weight means.

16. Device according to 1, carried by a wall support plate to which is articulated, laterally on the side opposite the location of engagement of the roll of material, a curved cover or lid adapted to receive closure or locking means.

17. Device according to l, enclosed in a cabinet which opens laterally, and in which it is possible to provide a space for stocking the roll.

18. Device according to 17, comprising a means for counting or monitoring supply comprising a front plate secured to the end of the rollcarrying arm and carrying reference marks which are visible from the exterior through a window formed in the cabinet.

19. Device according to claim 1 wherein said drum has an axis of rotation and is eccentric around said axis.

20. Device according to claim 1 wherein said drum is non-cylindrical.

21. Device according to claim I wherein said rollcarrier is disposed above said drum and rests with friction on said drum through the intermediary of said roll of material.

22. Device according to claim 1 wherein said mobile portion of said severing means comprises a blade element secured to said drum in a radially offset position with respect to the surface of the drum.

* a: a a a 

1. Device for the simultaneous dispensing and cutting of wound materials, comprising a rotatable drum, an articulated rollcarrier adapted for carrying a roll of material and cooperating by friction with said drum to drive the drum in rotation by simple manual traction on the free end of material extending between the drum and roll carrier and projecting from the device; a severing means for severing the material at the end of traction comprising a fixed portion adjustable in position and a mobile portion driven with said drum and progressively severing the material over its entire width, in the manner of a pair of scissors; a stop positioned to engage said mobilE portion and hold the same in an inoperative position and energy storage means coupled to said drum to resist rotation thereof in the direction of unwinding when the free end of the material is being pulled and withdrawn from the device until said severing means cuts the material whereafter the drum is continued to be rotated by said energy storage means in said direction of unwinding until said mobile portion of the severing means again contacts said stop and a fresh length of material is fed from said device.
 2. Device according to 1, wherein the mobile portion of the severing means comprises a blade fast with the unwinding drum and the fixed portion comprises a counter-blade which is fixed but obliquely positioned in the vertical and horizontal directions, said mobile blade passing under the said counter-blade during a cutting operation and, thereby progressively severing the material from one edge to the other in proportion as the drum rotates.
 3. Device according to 2, wherein the mobile blade is mounted to project in a peripheral aperture formed in the drum, the cutting edge of said blade being at a distance which is greater than that of the drum radius, and secured to the said drum only in its central portion, so as to impart a predetermined degree of resilience thereto at the ends thereof.
 4. Device according to 3, wherein the drum is locked in the inoperative position after severing the material due to the action of said energy storage means and said stop, said stop being retractable for permitting passage of the mobile blade carried by the drum.
 5. Device according to 4, wherein the stop is constituted by an elastomeric ring flexibly mounted on a support for permitting the passage of the blade due to flexing.
 6. Device according to 2, wherein the fixed counter-blade is carried at its ends by bracing struts fast with squared ends formed at the end of the drum support; the counter-blade is inclined relative to the bracing struts to present only a line of its front surface to the cutting edge of the mobile blade, and carries a deflector compelling the material to pass under the counter-blade.
 7. Device according to 6, wherein the oblique counter-blade is adjustable in position relative to the mobile blade through the intermediary of elongated apertures formed in the squared ends of the drum support and through which extend locking screws co-operating with the bracing struts having an upper inclined face.
 8. Device according to 2, wherein the mobile blade has, at its end for engagement with the counter-blade, a rounded inlet facilitating passage due to flexing of the blade.
 9. Device according to 1, wherein the drum has a perimeter corresponding to the length of the material which it is desired to obtain after severing, and which is pivoted for free rotation on a U-shaped support secured to a support plate and carrying the counter-blade at its end.
 10. Device according to 7, wherein the drum has, on its periphery, a surface for entrainment by adhesion or engagement, for affording the driving thereof due to the tractive force exerted on the material to be dispensed, which bears thereon over a large sector.
 11. Device according to 1, wherein the energy storage means comprises on the roll-carrier a lateral arm articulated to a support plate and bearing transversely in its median portion on a reel-carrying pivot.
 12. Device according to 11, wherein the reel-carrying pivot has, at the side of the articulated arm, a roller bearing race carrying at least two grippers for engaging and retaining the material winding reel which is locked at its other end with only a small engagement orifice on the end of the pivot shaped for this purpose; this device permits engagement of the roll only at one side.
 13. Device according to 11, wherein the reel-carrying pivot projects from the other side of the articulated arm and is formed with a groove for the winding-on of an elastomeric belt which is wound on a further groove formed in a finger fast with a rod aNgularly keyed to the drum.
 14. Device according to 13, wherein the finger is secured at the end of the rod with angular keying to afford an eccentric providing for tensioning of the belt in order to brake the drum when traction is exerted on the material and, on the contrary, to accelerate it after dispensing for putting it into the inoperative position.
 15. Device according to 1, wherein said energy storage means for control of the drum rotation comprises balancing and counter-weight means.
 16. Device according to 1, carried by a wall support plate to which is articulated, laterally on the side opposite the location of engagement of the roll of material, a curved cover or lid adapted to receive closure or locking means.
 17. Device according to 1, enclosed in a cabinet which opens laterally, and in which it is possible to provide a space for stocking the roll.
 18. Device according to 17, comprising a means for counting or monitoring supply comprising a front plate secured to the end of the rollcarrying arm and carrying reference marks which are visible from the exterior through a window formed in the cabinet.
 19. Device according to claim 1 wherein said drum has an axis of rotation and is eccentric around said axis.
 20. Device according to claim 1 wherein said drum is non-cylindrical.
 21. Device according to claim 1 wherein said rollcarrier is disposed above said drum and rests with friction on said drum through the intermediary of said roll of material.
 22. Device according to claim 1 wherein said mobile portion of said severing means comprises a blade element secured to said drum in a radially offset position with respect to the surface of the drum. 